City Council Meeting Recap

Upland City Council Meeting Recap – February 2025

Dear Upland Residents,

At our recent City Council meeting, we conducted a comprehensive review of citywide program costs to identify potential savings and spending adjustments that will allow us to prioritize critical infrastructure and public safety while maintaining Upland’s quality of life.

City Finances: The Big Picture

🔹 Strong Reserves – The city maintains a balanced budget with healthy reserves, including:

• 25% emergency fund for economic uncertainty.

• $8.4 million in the Pension Stabilization Fund to manage long-term liabilities.

• $2.5 million for building replacement and maintenance.

• $1.65 million in infrastructure reserves (soon to be increased by $1 million).

🔹 Deferred Maintenance – A Major Concern
While our finances appear stable, Upland faces over $500 million in needed road and sidewalk repairs, far exceeding available funds.

• Raising Upland’s Pavement Condition Index (PCI) from a D- (61) to a C (70) would require $30 million over the next five years.

• Current funding for road maintenance is $6 million per year, well below what is needed.

🔹 Failed Revenue Measures

• Measure N (2024) and Measure L (2022) were rejected by voters, limiting our ability to raise new revenue for road and infrastructure repairs.

• As a result, we must look internally to reduce costs and reallocate funds where possible.

• Upland needs to find new revenue streams to maintain current levels of service.

Budget Priorities & Cost-Saving Measures

To fund critical infrastructure and public safety efforts, we reviewed a list of peripheral programs for potential reductions.

• Light Up the Night (4th of July Fireworks) – Voted to Keep ($67,000 savings)

• Banking Fees Passed to Customers – Developers and large transactions will now cover processing fees instead of the city absorbing them ($68,000 savings).

• Hometown Holiday Parade – Considering modifications or merging with the Tree Lighting Ceremony to save $27,000.

• Library Operations – Exploring possible reduced hours to cut costs while maintaining access for residents.

• Volunteer Appreciation Program – Evaluating the $17,000 expenditure for cost-effectiveness.

• Crossing Guard Services – Reviewing whether the school district should assume more responsibility for funding.

The Debate: Community Identity vs. Infrastructure Needs

This budget review raised an important debate:

• Some council members and residents support reducing non-essential programs to fund more police officers and road repairs.

• Others warn that cutting events and services could harm local businesses and diminish Upland’s community character.

A major point of discussion was whether community events generate enough sales tax revenue to justify their cost. While events like Light Up the Night and the Christmas Parade bring in visitors and boost local businesses, the direct financial return may not fully offset city spending on these programs.

📅 What’s Next? Public Engagement & Future Planning

📌 Community Workshops – We will be hosting meetings to gather public input on spending priorities.
📌 May 2025 Budget Review – Staff will present a comprehensive financial plan, outlining potential savings and spending adjustments for the future.

🔍 Key Takeaways

✅ The council is actively working to balance infrastructure needs with maintaining Upland’s identity.
✅ Difficult choices lie ahead, and we encourage residents to participate in upcoming discussions.
✅ Every dollar saved or reallocated helps ensure Upland remains a safe, well-maintained, and thriving community.

I appreciate resident input and engagement as the Council navigate these financial challenges together. Your voice matters!

Council Member James Breitling